Combining real-time and batch mode logical address links

In a system including a set top box capable of receiving Internet content and television programming, a method for integrating the Internet content concurrently with the television programming, the method comprising acts of:

• retrieving electronic program guide (EPG) data from a server, wherein the EPG data includes batch links associated with the television programming;
• extracting real time links from the television programming, wherein the real time links are associated with the television programming;
• during a display of a program included in the television programming, identifiying at least one link from the batch links and the real-time links;
• providing notification that the at least one link is identified;
• and
• displaying content accessed through the identified at least one link, wherein the content is displayed concurrently with the program.

In a system including a set top box that has access to television programming and Internet content, a method for displaying Internet content associated with a program included in the television programming, the method comprising acts of:

• retrieving electronic program guide (EPG) data for the program from a server, wherein the EPG data includes batch links through which Internet content related to the program is accessed;
• determining which batch links are active, wherein the batch links are active from a start time of the program to an end time of the program;
• retrieving embedded real-time links from the program, wherein Internet content relating to the program is accessed through the real-time links;
• selecting at least one link from the real-time links and the active batch links, wherein a user is notified of the selection;
• and
• displaying Internet content accessed through the selected at least one link concurrently with the program.

A computer program product for implementing at a set top box a method for displaying Internet content associated with a program included in the television programming, the computer program product comprising:

• a computer-readable medium for storing machine executable instructions for implementing the method, wherein the method comprises acts of:
• during display of the program, extracting real-time links from the television programming, wherein the real-time links are embedded in the television programming;
• selecting a program link from a list of links, the list of links including the real time links;
• notifying a viewer that a program link, through which Internet content associated with the program may be accessed, is available;
• receiving input from the viewer such that the program link is selected;
• and
• displaying the Internet content associated with the at least link concurrently with the program.